MLB Free-Agent Scenarios: 5 Quick Fixes for Los Angeles Angels Roster

If the organization and fans alike are honest about the current Angels roster they'll agree on one thing: An offseason face-lift is in order.

Torii Hunter has one year left on contract but is on the decline. And what the Angels choose to do with the $15 million owed to the longtime veteran could direct quite a spending spree.

It is fair to say that no team will be a taker when it comes to Vernon Wells, who at 33 years old, lacking plate discipline and owed $20 million-plus per, will be a hard sell.

Letting loose these two players (one way or another) in order to open some sum of money in the pocket of Arte will be a telling test for Tony Reagins, currently on thin ice.

On the pitching side of things the Angels are set. Boasting a three-man behemoth of Weaver, Haren and Santana, is pitching any club not named the Phillies would build around.

But aside from pitching, the Angels offensively are unstable.

Hunter, Wells and longtime injured Kendry Morales are the team's big bats. All three were/are expected to sit in the middle of the lineup and drive in runs.

Currently though, none of the three are club positives.

Hunter is the closest, because of his Gold Glove in the outfield, clubhouse leadership and community involvement. Wells, in my opinion, is Mathews Jr. all over again. And if the Halos can make something happen to at least save a couple of million dollars over the remainder of his contract, I say do it.

As for Morales?

Many in the organization have seen too many great things from the youngster to fully give up on him. Moving him to a DH roll in order that Trumbo might continue as a key cog for many years would be a smart move.

The group of Conger, Trout, Trumbo and Bourjous have given fans a glimmer of hope in the near future. All four have shown signs of brilliance, with the ability to hit the ball and play lockdown, error-free defense.

Yet it is doubtful to believe the team can fully rely on four kids and a returning Morales.

Making some mixture of free-agent moves this offseason to solidify the club with a big bat is imperious for the "kids'" maturation and organic growth into solidified stars.

Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

I don't want to sit here and tell you why adding Albert Pujols would make sense on every level—from swag to high hitting for average, to league legend, to greatest ever, to rock defensively and class act.

Making my point?

Somehow, a rumor that the 31-year-old is on the decline has spread like wildfire. I am certain this type of thing is hysterical indiscretion for my generation’s greatest player.

Amidst this incredulous buzz, the three-time MVP is having another MVP season and the way in which he is doing it is special.

In a lineup as poor as the Angels', Pujols is carrying the Cardinals close to the playoffs with a .299-36-96 stat line. His career 444 home runs put him in the prime talk to break Barry Bonds' mark by the end of his career.

Adding Pujols inserts another Torii Hunter into the community as well, as he directs a phenomenal organization: The Albert Pujols Family Foundation, a foundation that helps struggling families—emotionally, financially and psychologically—thrive.

This move would give Kendry Morales plenty of time to get healthy in the minors. Moving Trumbo to DH may not be the quintessential move from the youngster’s perspective, but is there a better way to learn the position?

Jeremy Affeldt, Middle Relief, San Francisco Giants

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Jeremy Affeldt leads a long list of middle relief pitching this offseason. He is one of the many who could help solidify the Angels' lack in the middle relief, where apart from great starting pitching and solid closing, they show signs of weakness.

The 32-year-old, 6'4", 230-pound, lefty slinger throws with heat. He was a key component in the Giants' run last year to the World Series and over the course of the last four years has averaged .94 strikeouts per inning.

Adding his left-handed pitching in timely middle-relief situations is the perfect bridge to help ease tension off of rookie closer Jordan Walden.

David Ortiz, DH, Boston Red Sox

Big Papi may not be Big Papi of old. But he is a left-handed bat with still a year or two left of power.

This year the 6'4" Dominican is having a monster year: .314/29/95. It is fair to say most teams would not be interested in locking up the veteran to more than a one-year deal.

This gives the Angels leverage.

If Pujols or Prince fall through, Papi is a nice third option to fill the hole in the middle section of the lineup. His DH role would ease tension on the young Mark Trumbo who desires to play first base.

Giving the veteran a one-year contract with a club option for a second season could lure the seven-time All-Star to join Halo Red. He may not be the long-term fix but would be the "quick fix" to get the club back into the postseason.